COPT Defense Properties Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The COPT consolidated financial statements include the accounts of COPT, the Operating Partnership, their subsidiaries and other entities in which COPT has a majority voting interest and control. The COPLP consolidated financial statements include the accounts of COPLP, its subsidiaries and other entities in which COPLP has a majority voting interest and control. We also consolidate certain entities when control of such entities can be achieved through means other than voting rights (“variable interest entities” or “VIEs”) if we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of such entities. We eliminate all intercompany balances and transactions in consolidation.

We use the equity method of accounting when we own an interest in an entity and can exert significant influence over but cannot control the entity’s operations. We discontinue equity method accounting if our investment in an entity (and net advances) is reduced to zero unless we have guaranteed obligations of the entity or are otherwise committed to provide further financial support for the entity.

We use the cost method of accounting when we own an interest in an entity and cannot exert significant influence over its operations.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

We make estimates and assumptions when preparing financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These estimates and assumptions affect various matters, including:


•	the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets at the dates of the financial statements;


•	the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements; and


•	the reported amounts of revenues and expenses in our consolidated statements of operations during the reporting periods.

Significant estimates are inherent in the presentation of our financial statements in a number of areas, including the evaluation of the collectability of accounts and deferred rent receivable, the allocation of property acquisition costs, the determination of estimated useful lives of assets, the determination of lease terms, the evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets, the amount of impairment losses recognized, the amount of revenue recognized relating to tenant improvements, the level of expense recognized in connection with share-based compensation and the determination of accounting method for investments. Actual results could differ from these and other estimates.

Acquisitions of Operating Properties

Upon completion of operating property acquisitions, we allocate the purchase price to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities associated with such acquisitions based on our estimates of their fair values. We determine these fair values by using market data and independent appraisals available to us and making numerous estimates and assumptions. We allocate operating property acquisitions to the following components:

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properties based on a valuation performed under the assumption that the property is vacant upon acquisition (the “if-vacant value”). The if-vacant value is allocated between land and buildings or, in the case of properties under development, construction in progress. We also allocate additional amounts to properties for in-place tenant improvements based on our estimate of improvements per square foot provided under market leases that would be attributable to the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases;

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above- and below-market lease intangible assets or liabilities based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between: (1) the contractual amounts to be received pursuant to the in-place leases; and (2) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding space, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. The capitalized above- and below-market lease values are amortized as adjustments to rental revenue over the remaining lease terms of the respective leases, and to renewal periods in the case of below-market leases;

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in-place lease value based on our estimates of: (1) the present value of additional income to be realized as a result of leases being in place on the acquired properties; and (2) costs to execute similar leases. Our estimate of additional income to be realized includes carrying costs, such as real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses, and revenues during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions. Our estimate of costs to execute similar leases includes leasing commissions, legal and other related costs;

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tenant relationship value based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with that respective tenant. Characteristics we consider in determining these values include the nature and extent of our existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenant’s credit quality and expectations of lease renewals, among other factors; and


•	above- and below- market cost arrangements (such as real estate tax treaties or above- or below- market ground leases) based on the present value of the expected benefit from any such arrangements in place on the property at the time of acquisition.

Intangible Assets and Deferred Revenue on Real Estate Acquisitions

We amortize the intangible assets and deferred revenue on real estate acquisitions discussed above as follows:



Asset Type		Amortization Period
Above- and below-market leases		Related lease terms
In-place lease value		Related lease terms
Tenant relationship value		Estimated period of time that tenant will lease space in property
Above- and below-market cost arrangements		Term of arrangements

We recognize the amortization of acquired above-market and below-market leases as adjustments to rental revenue. We recognize the amortization of above- and below- market cost arrangements as adjustments to property operating expenses. We recognize the amortization of other intangible assets on property acquisitions as amortization expense.

Properties

We report properties to be developed or held and used in operations at our depreciated cost, reduced for impairment losses. The preconstruction stage of the development or redevelopment of an operating property includes efforts and related costs to secure land control and zoning, evaluate feasibility and complete other initial tasks which are essential to development.

We capitalize interest expense, real estate taxes and direct and indirect project costs (including related compensation and other indirect costs) associated with properties, or portions thereof, undergoing construction, development and redevelopment activities. In capitalizing interest expense, if there is a specific borrowing for a property undergoing construction, development and redevelopment activities, we apply the interest rate of that borrowing to the average accumulated expenditures that do not exceed such borrowing; for the portion of expenditures exceeding any such specific borrowing, we apply our weighted average interest rate on other borrowings to the expenditures. We continue to capitalize costs while construction, development or redevelopment activities are underway until a property becomes “operational,” which occurs when lease terms commence (generally when the tenant has control of the leased space and we have delivered the premises to the tenant as required under the terms of such lease), but no later than one year after the cessation of major construction activities. When leases commence on portions of a newly-constructed or redeveloped property in the period prior to one year from the cessation of major construction activities, we consider that property to be “partially operational.” When a property is partially operational, we allocate the costs associated with the property between the portion that is operational and the portion under construction. We start depreciating newly-constructed and redeveloped properties as they become operational.

Most of our leases involve some form of improvements to leased space. When we are required to provide improvements under the terms of a lease, we determine whether the improvements constitute landlord assets or tenant assets. If the improvements are landlord assets, we capitalize the cost of the improvements and recognize depreciation expense associated with such improvements over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or the term of the lease and recognize any payments from the tenant as rental revenue over the term of the lease. If the improvements are tenant assets, we defer the cost of improvements funded by us as a lease incentive asset and amortize it as a reduction of rental revenue over the term of the lease. In determining whether improvements constitute landlord or tenant assets, we consider numerous factors, including: whether the improvements are unique to the tenant or reusable by other tenants; whether the tenant is permitted to alter or remove the improvements without our consent or without compensating us for any lost fair value; whether the ownership of the improvements remains with us or remains with the tenant at the end of the lease term; and whether the economic substance of the lease terms is properly reflected.

We depreciate our fixed assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:



		Estimated Useful Lives
Buildings and building improvements		10-40 years
Land improvements		10-20 years
Tenant improvements on operating properties		Related lease term
Equipment and personal property		3-10 years

We assess each of our properties for indicators of impairment quarterly or when circumstances indicate that a property may be impaired. If our analyses indicate that the carrying values of operating properties, properties in development or land held for future development may be impaired, we perform a recovery analysis for such properties. For long-lived assets to be held and used, we analyze recoverability based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated from the operations and eventual disposition of the assets over, in most cases, a ten-year holding period. If we believe there is a significant possibility that we might dispose of the assets earlier, we analyze recoverability using a probability weighted analysis of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated from the operations and eventual disposition of the assets over the various possible holding periods. If the recovery analysis indicates that the carrying value of a tested property is not recoverable from estimated future cash flows, it is written down to its estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recognized. If and when our plans change, we revise our recoverability analyses to use the cash flows expected from the operations and eventual disposition of each asset using holding periods that are consistent with our revised plans. Changes in holding periods may require us to recognize significant impairment losses.

Fair values are estimated based on contract prices, indicative bids, discounted cash flow analyses, yield analyses or sales comparison approach. Estimated cash flows used in such analyses are based on our plans for the property and our views of market and economic conditions. The estimates consider factors such as current and future rental rates, occupancies for the tested property and comparable properties, estimated operating and capital expenditures and recent sales data for comparable properties; most of these factors are influenced by market data obtained from real estate leasing and brokerage firms and our direct experience with the properties and their markets.

When we determine that a property is held for sale, we stop depreciating the property and estimate the property’s fair value, net of selling costs; if we then determine that the estimated fair value, net of selling costs, is less than the net book value of the property, we recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference and reduce the net book value of the property. For periods in which a property is classified as held for sale, we classify the assets of the property as held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet for such periods.

For dispositions of operating properties occurring prior to June 30, 2014 in which we had no significant continuing involvement, or for operating properties held for sale prior to June 30, 2014, we classify the results of operations for such properties as discontinued operations; interest expense that is specifically identifiable to properties included in discontinued operations is used in the computation of interest expense attributable to discontinued operations. We adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) related to the reporting of discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity effective for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014. This guidance defines a discontinued operation as a component or group of components disposed or classified as held for sale that represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results; the guidance states that a strategic shift could include a disposal of a major geographical area of operations, a major line of business, a major equity method investment or other major parts of an entity. We have had no properties newly classified as discontinued operations subsequent to our adoption of this guidance.

Sales of Interests in Real Estate

We recognize gains from sales of interests in real estate using the full accrual method, provided that various criteria relating to the terms of sale and any subsequent involvement by us with the real estate sold are met.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash and liquid investments that mature three months or less from when they are purchased. Cash equivalents are reported at cost, which approximates fair value. We maintain our cash in bank accounts in amounts that may exceed Federally insured limits at times. We have not experienced any losses in these accounts in the past and believe that we are not exposed to significant credit risk because our accounts are deposited with major financial institutions.

Investments in Marketable Securities

We classify marketable securities as trading securities when we have the intent to sell such securities in the near term, and classify other marketable securities as available-for-sale securities. We determine the appropriate classification of investments in marketable securities at the acquisition date and re-evaluate the classification at each balance sheet date. We report investments in marketable securities classified as trading securities at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized through earnings; on our consolidated statements of cash flows, we classify cash flows from these securities as operating activities.

Accounts and Deferred Rents Receivable and Investing Receivables

We maintain allowances for estimated losses resulting from the failure of our customers or borrowers to satisfy their payment obligations. We use judgment in estimating these allowances based primarily upon the payment history and credit status of the entities associated with the individual receivables. We write off these receivables when we believe the facts and circumstances indicate that continued pursuit of collection is no longer warranted. When cash is received in connection with receivables for which we have established allowances, we reduce the amount of losses previously recognized.

We evaluate the collectibility of both interest and principal of loans whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate such amounts may not be recoverable. A loan is impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms. When a loan is impaired, the amount of the loss accrual is calculated by comparing the carrying amount of the investment to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate and the value of any collateral under such loan.

Interest on impaired loans is recognized when received in cash.

Deferred Leasing and Financing Costs

We defer costs incurred to obtain new tenant leases or extend existing tenant leases, including related compensation costs. We amortize these costs evenly over the lease terms. When tenant leases are terminated early, we expense any unamortized deferred leasing costs associated with those leases over the shortened term of the lease.

We defer costs of financing arrangements and recognize these costs as interest expense over the related loan terms on a straight-line basis, which approximates the amortization that would occur under the effective interest method of amortization. We amortize deferred costs of line-of-credit arrangements ratably over the terms of such arrangements. We expense any unamortized loan costs when loans are retired early. We present deferred costs of financing arrangements as a direct deduction from the related debt liability, except for costs attributable to line-of-credit arrangements and interest rate derivatives, which we present in the balance sheet in the line entitled “prepaid expenses and other assets, net”.

Noncontrolling Interests

COPT’s consolidated noncontrolling interests are comprised of interests in COPLP not owned by COPT (discussed further in Note 14) and interests in consolidated real estate joint ventures not owned by us (discussed further in Note 6). COPLP’s consolidated noncontrolling interests are comprised primarily of interests in our consolidated real estate joint ventures. Also included in COPLP’s consolidated noncontrolling interests are interests in several real estate entities owned directly by COPT, or a wholly owned subsidiary of COPT, that generally do not exceed 1% of interests in such entities. We evaluate whether noncontrolling interests are subject to redemption features outside of our control. For noncontrolling interests that are currently redeemable for cash at the option of the holders of such interests or deemed probable to eventually become redeemable, we classify such interests as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the mezzanine section of our consolidated balance sheets; we adjust these interests each period to the greater of their fair value or carrying amount (initial amount as adjusted for allocations of income and losses and contributions and distributions), with a corresponding offset to additional paid-in capital on COPT’s consolidated balance sheets or common units on COPLP’s balance sheet, and only recognize reductions in such interests to the extent of their carrying amount. Our other noncontrolling interests are reported in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheets. The amounts reported for noncontrolling interests on our consolidated statements of operations represent the portion of these entities’ income or losses not attributable to us.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize minimum rents, net of abatements, on a straight-line basis over the noncancelable term of tenant leases. A lease term commences when: (1) the tenant has control of the leased space (legal right to use the property); and (2) we have delivered the premises to the tenant as required under the terms of such lease. The noncancelable term of a lease includes periods when a tenant: (1) may not terminate its lease obligation early without incurring a penalty in such an amount that the continuation of the lease appears reasonably assured; (2) possesses renewal rights and the tenant’s failure to exercise such rights imposes a penalty on the tenant material enough such that renewal appears reasonably assured; or (3) possesses bargain renewal options for such periods. We report the amount by which our minimum rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis under leases exceeds the contractual rent billings associated with such leases as deferred rent receivable on our consolidated balance sheets. Amounts by which our minimum rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis under leases are less than the contractual rent billings associated with such leases are reported in liabilities as deferred revenue associated with operating leases on our consolidated balance sheets.

In connection with a tenant’s entry into, or modification of, a lease, if we make cash payments to, or on behalf of, the tenant for purposes other than funding the construction of landlord assets, we defer the amount of such payments as lease incentives. As discussed above, when we are required to provide improvements under the terms of a lease, we determine whether the improvements constitute landlord assets or tenant assets; if the improvements are tenant assets, we defer the cost of improvements funded by us as a lease incentive asset. We amortize lease incentives as a reduction of rental revenue over the term of the lease.

We recognize tenant recovery revenue in the same periods in which we incur the related expenses. Tenant recovery revenue includes payments from tenants as reimbursement for property taxes, utilities and other property operating expenses.

We recognize fees received for lease terminations as revenue and write off against such revenue any (1) deferred rents receivable, and (2) deferred revenue, lease incentives and intangible assets that are amortizable into rental revenue associated with the leases; the resulting net amount is the net revenue from the early termination of the leases. When a tenant’s lease for space in a property is terminated early but the tenant continues to lease such space under a new or modified lease in the property, the net revenue from the early termination of the lease is recognized evenly over the remaining life of the new or modified lease in place on that property.

We recognize fees for services provided by us once services are rendered, fees are determinable and collectability is assured. We recognize revenue under construction contracts using the percentage of completion method when the revenue and costs for such contracts can be estimated with reasonable accuracy; when these criteria do not apply to a contract, we recognize revenue on that contract using the completed contract method. Under the percentage of completion method, we recognize a percentage of the total estimated revenue on a contract based on the cost of services provided on the contract as of a point in time relative to the total estimated costs on the contract.

Interest Rate Derivatives

Our primary objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for our making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Derivatives are used to hedge the cash flows associated with interest rates on existing debt as well as future debt. We recognize all derivatives as assets or liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. We defer the effective portion of changes in fair value of the designated cash flow hedges to accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) or loss (“AOCL”) and reclassify such deferrals to interest expense as interest expense is recognized on the hedged forecasted transactions. We recognize the ineffective portion of the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives directly in interest expense. When an interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, we recognize changes in fair value of the hedge previously deferred to AOCI or AOCL, along with any changes in fair value occurring thereafter, through earnings. We do not use interest rate derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We manage counter-party risk by only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other risk factors.

We use standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models, replacement cost and termination cost in computing the fair value of derivatives at each balance sheet date. We made an accounting policy election to use an exception provided for in the applicable accounting guidance with respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for derivative instruments; this election enables us to measure the fair value of groups of assets and liabilities associated with derivative instruments consistently with how market participants would price the net risk exposure as of the measurement date.

Please refer to Note 11 for additional information pertaining to interest rate derivatives.

Expense Classification

We classify as property operations expense costs incurred for property taxes, ground rents, utilities, property management, insurance, repairs, exterior and interior maintenance and tenant revenue collection losses, as well as associated labor and indirect costs attributable to these costs.

We classify as general, administrative and leasing expenses costs incurred for corporate-level management, public company administration, asset management, leasing, investor relations, marketing and corporate-level insurance (including general business, director and officers and key man life) and leasing prospects, as well as associated labor and indirect costs attributable to these expenses.

Share-Based Compensation

We issue three forms of share-based compensation: restricted COPT common shares (“restricted shares”), deferred share awards and performance share units (“PSUs”). We also issued options to purchase COPT common shares (“options”) in prior years. We account for share-based compensation in accordance with authoritative guidance provided by the FASB that establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, focusing primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. The guidance requires us to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based generally on the fair value of the award on the grant date; such cost is then recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. The guidance also requires that share-based compensation be computed based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest; as a result, future forfeitures of awards are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. If an award is voluntarily cancelled by an employee, we recognize the previously unrecognized cost associated with the original award on the date of such cancellation. We capitalize costs associated with share-based compensation attributable to employees engaged in construction and development activities.

When we adopted the authoritative guidance on accounting for share-based compensation, we elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation. This method enabled us to use a simplified method to establishing the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation that was available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to the adoption of this guidance.

We compute the fair value of restricted shares and deferred share awards based on the fair value of COPT common shares on the grant date.

We compute the fair value of PSUs using a Monte Carlo model. Under that model, the baseline common share value is based on the market value on the grant date. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of COPT’s common shares.

We compute the fair value of options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Under that model, the risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected option life is based on our historical experience of employee exercise behavior. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of COPT common shares. Expected dividend yield is based on the average historical dividend yield on our common shares over a period of time ending on the grant date of the options.

Income Taxes

COPT elected to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify as a REIT, COPT must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that it distribute at least 90% of the Company’s adjusted taxable income to its shareholders. As a REIT, COPT generally will not be subject to Federal income tax on taxable income that it distributes to its shareholders. If COPT fails to qualify as a REIT in any tax year, it will be subject to Federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent tax years.

COPLP is a limited partnership and is not subject to federal income tax. Its partners are required to report their respective share of the Operating Partnership’s taxable income on their respective tax returns. COPT’s share of the Operating Partnership’s taxable income is reported on COPT’s income tax return.

For Federal income tax purposes, dividends to shareholders may be characterized as ordinary income, capital gains or return of capital. The characterization of dividends paid on COPT’s common and preferred shares during each of the last three years was as follows:



	Common Shares						Preferred Shares
	For the Years Ended December 31,						For the Years Ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2014		2016		2015		2014
Ordinary income	48.0	%	38.3	%	64.5	%	100	%	38.3	%	90.9	%
Long-term capital gain	0.0	%	61.7	%	6.5	%	0.0	%	61.7	%	9.1	%
Return of capital	52.0	%	0.0	%	29.0	%	0.0	%	0.0	%	0.0	%

However, dividends paid on January 15, 2016 (with a record date of December 31, 2015) on COPT’s common and preferred shares were allocated to 2015 for Federal income tax purposes and characterized based on the percentages set forth above for 2015.

We distributed all of COPT’s REIT taxable income in 2016, 2015 and 2014 and, as a result, did not incur Federal income tax in those years.

The net basis of our consolidated assets and liabilities for tax reporting purposes was approximately $9 million higher than the amount reported on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 which was primarily related to differences in basis for net properties, intangible assets on property acquisitions and deferred rent receivable.

We are subject to certain state and local income and franchise taxes. The expense associated with these state and local taxes is included in general and administrative expense and property operating expenses on our consolidated statements of operations. We did not separately state these amounts on our consolidated statements of operations because they are insignificant.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

We adopted guidance issued by the FASB effective January 1, 2016 regarding the presentation of extraordinary and unusual items in statements of operations. This guidance eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. However, the presentation and disclosure requirements for items that are either unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence remain and will be expanded to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence. Our adoption of this guidance did not affect our reported consolidated financial statements.

We adopted guidance issued by the FASB effective January 1, 2016 modifying the analysis that must be performed by us in determining whether we should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The guidance did not amend the existing disclosure requirements for VIEs or voting interest model entities. The guidance, however, modified the requirements to qualify under the voting interest model. Under the revised guidance, COPLP is considered a variable interest entity of COPT. As COPLP was already consolidated in the balance sheets of COPT, the identification of COPLP as a variable interest entity had no impact on the consolidated financial statements. There were no other legal entities qualifying under the scope of the revised guidance that were consolidated as a result of the adoption. In addition, there were no voting interest entities under prior existing guidance determined to be variable interest entities under the revised guidance.

We adopted guidance issued by the FASB effective January 1, 2016 that eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments following a business combination. The guidance requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment (including the impact on prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. The prior period impact of the adjustment should be either presented separately on the face of the statement of operations or disclosed in the notes. Our adoption of this guidance did not affect our reported consolidated financial statements.

We adopted guidance issued by the FASB effective December 31, 2016 regarding an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, which requires management to evaluate, at each annual and interim reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued and provide related disclosures in certain circumstances. Our adoption of this guidance did not affect our reported consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. Under this guidance, an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally, this guidance requires improved disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. While we are still completing our assessment of the impact of this guidance, below is a summary of the anticipated primary effects on our accounting and reporting.


•	Construction contract revenue: We reviewed our historical construction management arrangements and related contracts. Based on this review, we believe that we will account for these arrangements using the percentage of completion method, which is the method we have used in most cases historically. We do not currently believe that the resulting effect of the change will be material.

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Sales of real estate: The new guidance requires recognition of a sale of real estate and resulting gain or loss when control transfers and the buyer has the ability to direct use of, or obtain substantially all of the remaining benefit from, the asset (which generally will occur on the closing date); the factor of continuing involvement is no longer a specific consideration for the timing of recognition. The new guidance also eliminates the need to consider adequacy of buyer investment, which was replaced by additional judgments regarding collectability and intent and/or ability to pay. Since all but one of our sale transactions previously met the criteria for immediate gain recognition under existing guidance, we do not believe that the recognition pattern for these transactions will be changed by the new guidance. Our one sale transaction that did not meet the criteria for immediate full recognition under the previous standard was our contribution of data center properties into a newly-formed joint venture in July 2016, as discussed further in Notes 5 and 6. We believe that this transaction, which was accounted for as a partial sale under existing guidance, would meet the criteria for immediate full gain recognition under the new guidance; this would result in an additional $18 million in income being recognizable in 2016 under the new guidance that is currently being amortized into income in future periods under existing guidance.

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Real estate revenue associated with executory costs and other non-lease components: Once the new guidance setting forth principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases (discussed below) goes into effect, we believe that the new revenue standard may apply to executory costs and other components of revenue due under leases that are deemed to be non-lease components (such as common area maintenance and provision of utilities), even when the revenue for such activities is not separately stipulated in the lease. In that case, then revenue from these items previously recognized on a straight-line basis under current lease guidance would be recognized under the new revenue guidance as the related services are delivered. As a result, while the total revenue recognized over time would not differ under the new guidance, the recognition pattern would be different. We are in the process of evaluating the significance of the difference in the recognition pattern that would result from this change.

We are required to adopt this guidance for our annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2018 using one of two methods: retrospective restatement for each reporting period presented at the time of adoption, or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this guidance recognized at the date of initial application. We have not decided which method of adoption we will use.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that sets forth principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. This guidance requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. The resulting classification determines whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases. The guidance requires lessors of real estate to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. While we are still completing our assessment of the impact of this guidance, below is a summary of the anticipated primary effects of this guidance on our accounting and reporting.


•	Real estate leases in which we are the lessor:


◦	Balance sheet reporting: We believe that we will apply an approach under the new guidance that is similar to the current accounting for operating leases, in which we will continue to recognize the underlying leased asset as property on our balance sheet.


◦	Deferral of compensation-related lease costs: Under the new lease guidance, lessors may only capitalize their incremental direct costs of leasing. As a result, we believe that we will no longer be able to defer the recognition of compensation-related costs in connection with new or extended tenant leases; these deferrals totaled $1.1 million in 2016, $1.2 million in 2015 and $1.3 million in 2014.

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Lease revenue reporting: As discussed in further detail above in connection with the new revenue guidance, we believe that the new revenue standard may apply to executory costs and other components of revenue deemed to be non-lease components (such as common area maintenance and provision of utilities), even when the revenue for such activities is not separately stipulated in the lease. In that case, we would need to separate the lease components of revenue due under leases from the non-lease components. Under the new guidance, we would continue to recognize the lease components of lease revenue on a straight-line basis over our respective lease terms as we do under prior guidance. However, we would recognize the non-lease components under the new revenue guidance as the related services are delivered. As discussed above, we are in the process of evaluating the significance of the difference in the recognition pattern that would result from this change.


•	Leases in which we are the lessee:

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Our most significant leases as lessee are ground leases we have for certain properties; as of December 31, 2016, our future minimum rental payments under these leases totaled $90.9 million, with various expiration dates extending to the year 2100. While we are still in the process of evaluating these leases under the new guidance, we believe that we will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for the present value of these minimum lease payments. We believe that these leases most likely will be classified as finance leases under the new guidance; as a result, the interest component of each lease payment would be recorded as interest expense and the right-of-use asset would be amortized into expense using the straight-line method over the life of the lease.

This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019, with modified retrospective restatement for each reporting period presented at the time of adoption. Early adoption is also permitted for this guidance.

In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance intended to simplify various aspects related to the accounting and presentation for employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the consolidated statement of cash flows. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017. In connection with our adoption of this policy, we made an entity-wide accounting policy election to continue to account for potential future award forfeitures by estimating the number of awards that are expected to vest. Our adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance that changes how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The guidance replaces the current incurred loss model with an expected loss approach, resulting in a more timely recognition of such losses. The guidance will apply to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases, and off-balance-sheet credit exposures (e.g. loan commitments). Under the new guidance, an entity will recognize its estimate of expected credit losses as an allowance, as the guidance requires that financial assets be measured on an amortized cost basis and to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted after December 2018. We are currently assessing the financial impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues. The areas addressed in the new guidance relate to debt prepayment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned and bank-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investments, beneficial interest in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies the definition of a business used by entities in determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. Under the new guidance it is expected that the majority of our future operating property acquisitions will be accounted for as asset acquisitions, whereas under the current guidance our recent acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations; we believe that the primary effect of this change will be that transactions costs associated with acquisitions will be capitalized rather than expensed as incurred.